Push-pull control cable assembly with quick-release terminal fittings therefor

ABSTRACT

A push-pull control cable assembly having a casing of a predetermined length with a core slidably received therein. A push-through-to-lock anchor fitting is provided at each end of the casing. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to the core through an end rod. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver with a blind bore. A slot in the receiver transversely intersects the blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to be selectively slidable between first and second positions. The locking tab has an aperture. The aperture permits a connecting spur to be inserted therein and withdrawn therefrom when the locking tab is in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur to preclude withdrawal thereof when the locking tab is in its second position. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the core through another end rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housing. A concave race extends circumferentially within the housing, and ports open transversely through the concave race. An annular connecting ring is received within the concave race for limited circumferential and transverse rotation relative to the concave race. The connecting ring receives a grooved end rod extending through the ports. An adjusting member having a plurality of dogs is removably secured within the connecting ring. The dogs selectively engage the grooved end rod to preclude removal of the end rod from the connecting ring.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/056,947, filed on Apr. 8, 1998, which parentapplication issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,705 on Aug. 17, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to push-pull control cables.More particularly, the present invention relates to terminal endfittings for the cores of push-pull control cables. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to a selectively positionable terminal endfitting (as well a fixedly positioned terminal end fitting) by which oneor the other end of the core of a push-pull control cable can bedetachable secured to an operator-control (i.e.: input) device or acontrolled (i.e.: output) device located remotely of theoperator-control input device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Assemblies used to translate motion in a push-pull manner from a remoteinput, or operator-control, device to an output, or controlled, deviceinclude a known variety of cables and linear-to-rotary mechanisms usedin automotive, truck, aircraft, recreational and marine environments.These motion transferring mechanisms are often necessary because themost desired location from which to operate the controlled output deviceis often not adjacent thereto but rather from a remotely locatedoperator-control, or input, device.

More precisely to associate push-pull control devices to a typicalinstallation, an engine or transmission is often located in a confinedcompartment removed from the area occupied by the operator and anypassengers. For instance, the engine and transmission of a vehicle aregenerally confined under a hood in a compartment separated by a firewall from the operator/passenger compartment from which the operatorremotely controls the engine and transmission. Additionally, the engine,and transmission, are customarily connected to the vehicle frame throughflexible mounts, while the operator-control device is generally mountedeither directly, or by rigid mounting devices, to the frame. Thus, frominstallation-to-installation a considerable amount of accommodatingadjustment may be necessary to effect the desired connection between thecontrolled output device and a remotely located operator-control inputdevice.

Motion transmitting arrangements that typically operate in a push-pullmanner have been employed for years as cable controls for automatictransmissions, parking brakes, clutches, cruise control devices andshifting devices where such assemblies are not only remote from theoperator-control device but also separated such that the interconnectiontherebetween must follow a non-linear path.

Known motion transmitting arrangements utilize one or more cables thatare axially movable in a push-pull manner for operatively connecting theremote operator-control device to an arm, or similar mechanism, thatadjusts, shifts, or otherwise acts on the remote controlled device. Oneexample that exemplifies a typical installation comprises the operationof a transmission assembly where the motion transmitting arrangement isattached to an operator-control gear selecting device at one end of themotion transmitting arrangement and a lever arm presented from thetransmission shifting mechanism at the other end. A second example wouldbe a carburetor/throttle assembly where a motion transmittingarrangement is attached to an operator-control accelerator at one endthereof and to a throttle actuating mechanism in a carburetor at theother end.

Push-pull control cables to effect the desired interconnection betweenan operator-control device and a remotely located controlled device are,generally, well known to the art as devices capable of transmittingmechanical motion in either direction by virtue of a cable core when atleast the ends of the cable casing are satisfactorily clamped inposition.

Although the prior art knows many constructions for push-pull cablecasings, one of the most suitable constructions to assure the greatestflexibility and efficiency comprises a plurality of wires laidcontiguously in a long pitch helix around the outer periphery of aplastic tube. The helically arranged wires of the casing are maintainedin their proper position solely by a plastic cover in the smaller cablesand by a reinforcing spread helix of wire, or flat metallic ribbons, inconjunction with the plastic cover in larger cables.

In the above described construction for cable casings the plastic tubewhich comprises the innermost element not only acts as a bearing for thecore of the cable that is slidable within the casing but also acts toprotect the casing wires from any natural elements gaining access to theinterior of the tube. A plastic outer cover similarly protects the wiresas it maintain them in their cylindrically disposed, helical groupingaround the inner tube.

Anchor fittings are provided at each end of the casing to provide meansfor securing the control cable casing in operative position, and aterminal end fitting is also provided at each end of the core to securethe core, respectively, to an operator-control input device and aremotely controlled, output device.

Historically, the ends of the push-pull control cable casing weresecured in a fixed location by a clamping device held in place by aplurality of nuts and bolts (or screws) and lock washers. Each end ofthe core within the casing was connected to an end rod. The other end ofone end rod was connected to the operator-control input device--and thiswas normally effected by a fixedly positioned nut and bolt connection.The other end rod of the second end rod was connected to the controlledoutput device by a selectively positionable arrangement that typicallycomprised a clevis that was selectively positionable along the secondend rod and secured in the desired location by a lock nut. In turn, theclevis was secured to the operating arm on the controlled output deviceby a well known pin, washer and cotter pin arrangement.

The aforesaid historic arrangement of securing the push-pull cable coreto both the operator-control input device and the controlled outputdevice was replaced by snap-on, snap-off connectors. The snap-on,snap-off connectors utilized to date in the automotive industry, forexample, have required virtually as much force to snap-on as tosnap-off. In fact, the best known prior art connector acceptable to theautomotive industry required 85 Newtons to effect a snap-on and 90Newtons to effect a snap-off. Other industry standards require that theconnector withstand 50,000 cycles under loads of 90 Newtons in atension/compression testing. Moreover, the connector must also withstanda minimum of 450 Newtons before separation of the terminal end fittingfrom the end rod occurs.

Industries using push-pull control cables have not been able to achievea significantly low snap-on force while maintaining the required minimumsnap-off force. Nor has it been easy to achieve the desired wear lifeover the required number of operating cycles--particularly when beingsubjected to the range of temperatures to which automotive installationswould be exposed in actual operation. In addition, the best known priorart arrangements have been limited to three snap-on and snap-off cycles.It must also be appreciated that the structural differences frominstallation-to-installation virtually assures that it will seldom occurthat the axis of the end rod can be perpendicularly aligned with therotational axis of the operating arm on the controlled output device. Asis well known to those skilled in the appropriate art, the prior knownterminal end fittings do not accommodate the desired ease of operationwhen subjected to such misalignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide anovel push-pull control cable assembly wherein the terminal end fittingswill provide a significantly increased, and therefore improved, minimumsnap-off force over the required number of operational cycles--even whensubjected to grueling temperature ranges.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelpush-pull control cable assembly, as above, wherein the terminal endfittings will provide a significantly reduced snap-on force over therequired number of operational cycles--again, even when subjected togrueling temperature ranges.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novelpush-pull control cable assembly, as above, wherein at least thatterminal end fitting associated with the remote controlled output devicewill readily accommodate misalignments typically encountered between theaxis of the end rod with respect to the rotational axis of the operatingarm for the controlled output device to which it is operativelyconnected.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novelpush-pull control cable assembly, as above, wherein the terminal endfittings permit a virtually unlimited number of assembly and disassemblycycles.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide novelpush-pull control cable assembly, as above, which affords the foregoingadvantages and at the same time effectively isolates noise and vibrationfrom being transferred through the push-pull control cable assembly fromthe remote controlled output device to the operator-control inputdevice.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a novelpush-pull control cable assembly, as above, wherein that terminal endfitting which provides selective positioning between the core of thepush-pull control cable and the controlled device can be assembled fromeither side of the operating arm.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as the advantagesthereof over existing and prior art forms, which will be apparent inview of the following detailed specification, are accomplished by meanshereinafter described and claimed.

In general, a push-pull control cable assembly embodying the concepts ofthe present invention utilizes a casing having a predetermined lengthwith a core slidably received in the casing. An anchor fitting isprovided at each end of the casing, and each anchor fitting has a barrelportion and a socket portion. A swivel sleeve is mounted in each socketportion, and the swivel sleeve slidably receives an end rod that issecured to the push-pull cable core. Fixedly located supportingmembers--for engaging the anchor fitting on each end of the casing--areeach penetrated by an aperture to receive one of the anchor fittings.The aforesaid apertures, which are generally in the nature of a bore orslot, are provided on each supporting member embracingly to engage theanchor fitting when the barrel portion thereof is insertably receivedthrough the aperture in the supporting means.

A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to one end rod. Thefixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver, and a blindbore--which is disposed transversely with respect to the axis of the endrod to which the receiver is secured--is provided in the receiver. Anaxially disposed slot in the receiver intersects the transverselydisposed blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to beselectively slidable between a first and a second position. The lockingtab is penetrated by an aperture disposed transversely of the lockingtab and axially with respect to the blind bore. The aperture permits aconnecting spur presented from one or the other of the operator-controlinput, or the remotely controlled output, devices to be inserted in andwithdrawn from the blind bore through the aperture when the locking tabis in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur topreclude withdrawal thereof from the blind bore when the locking tab isin its second position. The locking tab can be manually displaced fromthe second to the first position.

A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the otherend rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housingwith an interior surface. A concave race extends circumferentially ofthe interior surface of the housing, and ports open transversely throughthe housing to intersect the concave race. An annular connecting ring isdisposed transversely within the housing to be received within theconcave race for limited circumferential and transverse rotationrelative to the concave race. A bore transversely penetrates theconnecting ring to receive the end rod which is insertably receivedthrough the ports. An adjusting member is removably secured axiallywithin the connecting ring, and a plurality of dogs are mounted in theadjusting member operatively to engage the end rod in order selectivelyto preclude removal of the end rod from the transverse bore in theconnecting ring.

To acquaint persons skilled in the arts most closely related to thepresent invention, one preferred embodiment of a push-pull control cablefitted with novel and unique end fittings that illustrate a best modenow contemplated for putting the invention into practice is describedherein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a partof the specification. The exemplary push-pull control cable, as well asoptional variations for at least one of the terminal end fittings forthe core are described in detail without attempting to show all of thevarious forms and modification in which the invention might be embodied.As such, the embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative,and as will become apparent to those skilled in these arts can bemodified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of theinvention--the invention being measured by the appended claims and notby the details of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially in section and partially brokenaway, of a push-pull control cable having a core slidably receivedwithin a casing--each end of the casing is provided with apush-through-to-lock anchor fitting, one end of the core provide with aselectively positionable, quick-release terminal end fitting and theother end of the core provided with a fixedly positioned, quick-releaseterminal end fitting;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective of a fixedly positioned,quick-release terminal end fitting taken substantially within that areaof FIG. 1 outlined by the chain-line circle that is designated "SEEFIG-2"--said end fitting adapted to receive a spur presented from aforce transfer arm, said conjoined spur and transfer arm beingrepresented in longitudinal section;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal section taken substantially alongline 3--3 of FIG. 1 to depict the novel and unique, fixedly positioned,quick-release terminal end fitting shown in FIG. 2--said terminal endfitting attached to an end rod that is secured to the core of apush-pull control cable;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, longitudinally vertical cross section takensubstantially along line 4--4 of FIG. 1 as well as line 4--4 of FIG. 3to depict the interaction between the locking tab and the receiver ofthe novel and unique, fixedly positioned, quick-release terminal endfitting;

FIG. 5 is a cross section taken substantially along line 5--5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, exploded perspective of a selectivelypositionable, quick-release terminal end fitting taken substantiallywithin that area of FIG. 1 outlined by the chain-line ellipse that isdesignated "SEE FIG-6";

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, vertical section taken substantially along line7--7 of FIG. 1 to depict the interaction of the structural components ofthe novel and unique, selectively positionable, quick-release terminalconnector also shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, vertical section taken substantially along line8--8 of FIG. 1 also to depict the interaction of the structuralcomponents of the novel and unique, selectively positionable,quick-release terminal connector depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a further enlarged cross section appearing on the same sheetof drawings a FIG. 5 but taken substantially along line 9--9 of FIG. 8to depict an alternative configuration for the adjusting member utilizedin conjunction with the adjustably positionable terminal endfitting--said alternative configuration intended further to facilitateinsertion of the dogs within the grooved end rod;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternative configuration for theadjustably positionable terminal end fitting basically depicted in FIGS.6-8 which alternative configuration depicts an optionally employedlocking clip depicted in the "fully open position;"

FIG. 11 is a plan view partially in section and partially broken away ofthe adjustably positionable terminal end fitting which is similar toFIG. 10 but which depicts the optionally employed locking clip in the"shipping position;"

FIG. 12 is a cross section taken substantially along line 12--12 of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a plan view similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the alternativeconfiguration for the adjustably positionable terminal end fitting, butwhich depicts the optional locking clip in the "anchor position" andappearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a cross section taken substantially along line 14--14 of FIG.13; and,

FIG. 15 is a cross section taken substantially along line 15--15 of FIG.13.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT Preview of Overall Push-pullCable Assembly

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a push-pull control cableassembly is identified generally by the numeral 10. The push-pull cableassembly 10 includes a core 12 and a casing 14 in which the core 12 isreciprocally slidable. One end of the core 12 is operatively connectedto a fixedly positioned, quick-release terminal end fitting 16, and theother end of the core 12 is operatively connected to a selectivelypositionable, quick-release terminal end fitting 18. Both the terminalend fittings 16 and 18 will be hereinafter more fully described.

The prior art knows many casing constructions, and one form of a casing14 is depicted herein that comprises a plurality of wires 20contiguously laid in the form of a relatively long pitch helical coilabout the radially outer surface of an inner, flexible tube 22 whichextends the full length of the casing 14. For example, the casing 14 mayemploy twelve 1.19 mm oil-tempered wires helically wound about aflexible nylon tube, or sheath. An outer, flexible cover 24 (that maytypically be a nylon polymer) encases the helically coiled wires 20 andextends along the entire casing 14 generally to within a short distancefrom the end of the wires 20.

A typical high efficiency push-pull control cable employed to operate avehicular transmission may utilize seven twisted wires encapsulated in aTeflon liner to comprise the core 12, and such a core need only be 2.2mm in diameter effectively to transmit the forces required to operate avehicular transmission.

An anchor fitting 26 may be employed at each end of the casing 14 bywhich to secure the ends of the casing 14 against at least longitudinalmovement. A typical anchor fitting 26 may have a barrel portion 28 thatis disposed to circumscribe the wires 20 and the cover 24 of the casing14. So positioned, the barrel portion 28 may be fixedly secured to thecasing 14 as by being integrally molded thereto. A radially extendinglocating flange 30 circumscribes the barrel portion 28 and may bereinforced by axially extending buttress flanges 32 that may beintegrally formed with the barrel portion 28 and the locating flange 30.

A socket 34 is provided at that end of the fitting 26 opposite thebarrel portion 28. At least two locking tongues 36 extend from theexterior of the socket 34 toward the locating flange 30. The lockingtongues 36A and 36B will be displaced radially inwardly about theirconnection to the exterior of the socket 34 as the socket 34 is insertedthrough an aperture 38 of a supporting member--such as the fire wall 40displayed in association with one end of the casing 14 or a mountingbracket 42 displayed in association with the other end of the casing14--and snap radially outwardly to secure the fire wall 40 (or themounting bracket 42) between the locating flange 30 and the engagingends 44 of the locking tongues 36.

As may be appreciated from the preceding paragraph, in the detaileddescription which follows a particular structural member, component orarrangement may be employed at more than one location. When referringgenerally to that type of structural member, component or arrangement acommon numerical designation shall be employed. However, when one of thestructural members, components or arrangements so identified is to beindividually designated it shall be referenced by virtue of a lettersuffix employed in combination with the numerical designation employedfor general identification of that structural member, component orarrangement. Thus, there are at least two locking tongues which aregenerally identified by the numeral 36, but the specific, individuallocking tongues are, therefore, identified as 36A and 36B in thespecification and on the drawings. This same suffix convention shall beemployed throughout the specification.

A spherical ball arrangement 46 on one end of a swivel sleeve 48 isreceived within the socket 34 to permit a desired range of motion to theswivel sleeve 48, and a flexible sealing boot 50 is connected betweenthe exterior of the socket 34 and the exterior of the swivel sleeve 48.If desired, an orienting stud 52 may extend radially outwardly from thesocket 34 adjacent the locating flange 30 to be received within acorresponding orienting notch 54 in the supporting member, but for mostinstallations orientation of the casing 14 is not required, and theorienting stud 52 may be eliminated.

An end rod 56 is reciprocally slidable within the swivel sleeve 48, andthe core 12 is secured to the end rod 56 within the swivel sleeve 48. Arod wiper-scraping seal 58 may be operatively positioned on the outerend portion of the swivel sleeve 48. Exteriorly of the swivel sleeve 48the end rod 56_(A) need merely be permanently secured to the end fitting16. Conversely, the end rod 56_(B) may be provided with a plurality oflongitudinally spaced, grooves 60 which interact with the terminalfitting 18 in order to provide the desired selective positioning thereofalong the end rod 56_(B).

As may be appreciated from the preceding paragraph, closely related, butmodestly different, structural members, components or arrangements willgenerally be identified by a common numerical designation, but thevariations shall be distinguished by a letter subscript used incombination with the number. Thus, the end rods are generally identifiedby the number 56, but the individual, modestly different, but closelyrelated, end rods are identified with the alphanumeric designations56_(A) and 56_(B). This alpha-numeric subscript convention shall also beemployed throughout the specification.

Both end rods 56_(A) and 56_(B) should be closely fitted within theinterior of the swivel sleeves 48 not only to guide the end rods 56_(A)and 56_(B) but also to prevent excess deflection of that portion of thecable core 12 disposed within the swivel sleeves 48 when the core 12 issubjected to compressive loading.

Fixedly Positioned Terminal end Fitting

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the terminal end fitting 16 provides aquick-release configuration that is particularly adapted for use inconjunction with the operator-control input device where the terminalend fitting 16 may be fixedly positioned with respect to the end rod56_(A) and thus the axial movement of the core 12 within the casing 14.The terminal end fitting 16 has a plastic sheath 62 that may bepermanently secured to the outer end portion of the end rod 56_(A). Assuch, the sheath 62 has an anchoring extension 64 that receives theouter end portion of the end rod 56_(A) and is permanently affixedthereto. A receiver 66 (FIGS. 3 and 4) in the nature of a metallicinsert is preferably encapsulated within the plastic sheath 62, and thereceiver 66 has a blind bore 68 oriented transversely of the end rod56_(A). The receiver is also provided with a longitudinally orientedslot 70 within which a locking tab 72 is received for selectivelongitudinal displacement.

The locking tab 72 has a flat generally flat body portion 74 that ispenetrated by an aperture 76 having first and second radii 78_(A) and78_(B), for a purpose more fully hereinafter described. The radii 78_(A)and 78_(B) are disposed along, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis 80of the body portion 74--which may, as shown, be coincident with thelongitudinal axis of the end rod 56_(A). The axially inner portion ofthe aperture 76 is defined by the first radius 78_(A) which is of alesser dimension than the second radius 78_(B), which defines theaxially outer portion of the aperture 76.

At the axially innermost extent of the body portion 74 a pawl 82 extendsoutwardly from the body portion 74 to engage a blocking surface 84 onthe receiver 66. As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the pawl 82 may be,located on the end of a resilient arm 86 which biases the pawl 82 intoengagement with the blocking surface 84 after the locking tab 72 hasbeen is inserted sufficiently within the longitudinal slot 70 in thereceiver 66. A notch 88 (FIG. 5) is located perpendicularly with respectto the slot 70 and extends longitudinally from the blind bore 68,through the receiver 66 and a hereinafter more fully described reactiverib 90 on the exterior of the receiver 66 to permit the pawl 82 to enterthe slot 70.

The pawl 82 is provided with an inclined camming surface 92 which passesthrough slot 88 and engages the beveled edge 94 at the juncture of theslot 70 and the blind bore 68 in the receiver 66 to displace the arm 86and allow the pawl 82 to travel along that portion of the slot 70 whichextends beyond the blind bore 68 and then snap behind the blockingsurface 84 to retain the locking tab 72 within the slot 70. An accessopening 96 extends outwardly through the receiver 66 to permit one toinsert a tool, such as a center punch (not shown), to assist indisplacing the pawl 82 from the blocking surface 84 and thus permit thelocking tab 72 to be readily withdrawn from the slot 70.

The axially outer portion of the locking tab 72 is preferably providedwith an aligning rib 98 which is received within the notch 88 tomaintain alignment of the locking tab 72 with the slot 70, Thisalignment is highly desirable for the now to be described axialdisplacement of the locking tab 72 which is utilized to engage, anddisengage, the locking tab 72 from the spur 100 presented from theoperator-control input device to interact with the terminal end fitting16. It is, therefore, the spur 100 by which the force transfer arm 102on the operator-control input device is selectively connected to theterminal end fitting 16. It will be observed from FIGS. 2 and 3 that thespur 100 conforms to the configuration of the blind bore 68 in thereceiver 66 to permit the locking tab 72 releasably to engage the spur100.

The axially outer extremity of the flat body portion 74 terminates inlaterally extending biasing wings 104A and 104B which engage thereactive rib 90 presented from the receiver 66 of the terminal endfitting 16. When the pawl 82 is positioned in engagement with theblocking surface 84 the biasing wings 104 engage the reactive boss 90which projects outwardly from the receiver 66 at least along the lateraledges of the receiving slot 70. In fact, the biasing wings 104 impart amodicum of axial force which maintains the pawl 82 in locking engagementwith the blocking surface 84.

So positioned by the biasing action of the wings 104, that portion ofthe aperture 76 defined by the shorter radius 78_(A) engages an annularrecess 106 in the spur 100 to retain the spur 100 within the blind bore68. However, when one applies an axial force to the outer end portion ofthe locking tab 72 the wings 104 flex to permit the locking tab 72 tomove axially inwardly so as to align that portion of the aperture 76defined by the larger radius 76_(B) with the blind bore 68, therebywithdrawing the blocking connection of the aperture 76 defined by thesmaller radius 78_(A) from recess 106 and permitting the spur 100 to bewithdrawn from the blind bore 68.

Selectively Positionable Terminal end Fitting

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the terminal end fitting 18 not onlyprovides a quick-release configuration but also one which permitsselectively positioning the terminal end fitting 18 along the axis 120of the end rod 56_(B). As such, the end fitting 18 has a housing 122(which, in this embodiment, is annular) that may be secured to theoperating arm 124 of a controlled output device, as by the aperture 126in the operating arm 124. The annular housing 122 is circumscribed by aradially extending securing flange 128 which also generally divides theannular housing 122 into an interacting portion 130 and a mountingportion 132. The securing flange 128 engages the surface 134 of theoperating arm 124 when the mounting portion 132 is insertably receivedwithin the circular receiving aperture 126 in the operating arm 124. Themounting portion 132 may be threaded to receive a locking nut 138 thatcan be tightened rigidly to secure the annular housing 122 to theoperating arm 124. An equally applicable connection to the operating arm124 is hereinafter defined and described in conjunction with FIGS. 12,14 and 15.

A concave race 140 extends circumferentially about the interior surface142 of the interacting portion 130 rotatably to receive a toroidalconnecting ring 144. A pair of diametrically opposed ports 146A and 146Bpenetrate the interacting portion 130 of the housing 122, and said ports146 are, along their circumferential extent, congruent with the concaverace 140. The connecting ring 144 is penetrated by a transverse bore 148to receive the end rod 56_(B). As such, the end rod 56_(B) ispermitted: 1) to rotate through the circumferential angular range thatis defined by the circumferential extent of the opposed ports 146; and2) to swivel, in unison with the connecting ring 144, within thoseplanes defined by the axial extent of the ports 146. The circumferentialangular range typically provides about 68° of rotation (which isdesignated as angle α on FIG. 6), and the axial extent of the ports 146typically permits the end rod 56_(B) to accommodate up to about plus orminus seven degrees (±7°)--which is designated as angle β on FIG. 7--ofmisalignment between the axis 120 of end rod 56_(B) and the axis 150 ofthe annular housing 122. It should be noted that this misalignmentconstitutes the angular disparity by which the axis 120 of the end rod56_(B) fails perpendicularly to intersect the axis 150 of the annularhousing 122.

The inner wall 152 of the toroidal connecting ring 144 presents twoopposed, longitudinally extending channels 154A and 154B, and the medialportion of each channel 154 is interrupted by transverse recess 156, thepurpose of which will be hereinafter more fully explained.

An adjusting member 158 is operatively received within the interior ofthe connecting ring 144. The adjusting member 158 has a head portion 160from which two arms 162 extend axially to define a U-shaped saddle 164therebetween. Each arm 162 has an axially extending, transverselyarcuate outer surface 166. The outer surfaces 166A and 166B on therespective arms 162A and 162B engage the cylindrical inner wall 152 ofthe toroidal connecting ring 144 to facilitate selective axialtranslation of the arms 162 within the connecting ring 144.

As best seen in FIG. 8, a detent key 168 extends axially along each arm162. That end 170A and 170B of each respective detent key 168A and 168Bclosest to the head portion 160 may be integrally connected to therespective arm 162A and 162B, and the remainder of each detent key 168Aand 168B is disposed to overlie a longitudinally extending groove, orway, 172A and 172B, respectively, that is recessed radially inwardly ofthe outer surface 166A and 166B on each arm 162A and 162B. As such, thedetent keys 168A and 168B may flex about their respective ends 170A and170B to swing in and out of the respective grooves, or ways, 172A and172B. A detent pawl 174A and 174B is provided medially of eachrespective detent key 168A and 168B on the radially outer surface 176Aand 176B thereof. That side of each detent pawl 174 facing the headportion 160 of the adjusting member 158 defines a catch surface 178 thatmay be disposed substantially at a right angle with respect to thecorresponding detent key 168A and 168B, and the opposite face isinclined to present a camming surface 180.

With the arms 162A and 162B on the adjusting member 158 being alignedwith the respective longitudinal channels 154A and 154B (FIG. 6) in theconnecting ring 144 the application of axial pressure to the headportion 160 of the adjusting member 158 will force the camming surfaces180 to engage the edges 182A and 182B, respectively, of the channels154A and 154B causing the detent keys 168A and 168B to swing into thegrooves, or ways, 172A and 172B in order to permit the pawls 174A and174B to enter the channels 154A and 154B and slide axially therealonguntil the pawls 174A and 174B enter the transverse recesses 156A and156B, respectively, by virtue of the biasing action of the detent keys168A and 168B. With pawls 174 thus received in the transverse recesses156, the adjusting member 158 is disposed in what shall be designated asthe "shipping position" which shall be hereinafter more fully describedin conjunction with the alternative configuration depicted in FIGS. 11and 12.

The continued application of axial pressure against the head portion 160of the adjusting member 158 when the adjusting member 158 is in theshipping position, will bring the inclined camming surfaces 180A and180B on the detent pawls 174A and 174B into engagement with one sidewall 184A and 184B of the transverse recesses 156A and 156B in thechannels 154A and 154B. This action also causes the detent keys 168A and168B to swing into the grooves, or ways, 172A and 172B in order topermit the pawls 174A and 174B to re-enter the channels 154A and 154Band slide axially therealong--thereby permitting the adjusting member158 to continue its axial movement until it reaches the "anchorposition." That is, the adjusting member 158 will operatively engage theend rod 56_(B) to preclude axial movement of the end rod 56_(B) alongits longitudinal axis 120 or transversely with respect to the terminalfitting 18 when the adjusting member 158 is in the anchor position.

In the anchor position a plurality of connecting dogs 186 (such as thethree depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8) supported by the adjusting member 158operatively engage a like number of the annular grooves 60 on the endrod 56_(B) to preclude movement of the end rod 56_(B) axially of itself,or transversely with respect to the terminal and fitting 18. At thispoint it should be noted that whereas individual, axially spaced,annular grooves 60 are preferred, the connecting dogs 186 may bedisposed to engage threads on the end rod 56_(B) should one desire touse existing end rods adapted to receive the historically employedclevis.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the connecting dogs 186 maybe metallic and may be molded in situ within the adjusting member 158which may be a suitable plastic material. The tang portion 188 of eachconnecting dog 186 may be perforated, as by one or more openings 190 topermit the material from which the adjusting member 158 is molded topenetrate the tang portion 188 and thereby further secure eachconnecting dog 186 in the desired position within the adjusting member158. The blade portion 192 of each connecting dog 186 extends into theU-shaped saddle 164 between the adjacent arms 162 of the adjustingmember 158, and the outer edge 194 of the blade portion 192 is providedwith a semi-cylindrical notch 196 that is dimensioned to be receivedwithin the grooves 60 in the end rod 56_(B).

When the notch 196 is sufficiently seated--in semi-cylindricalcongruity--within the grooves 60 to secure the end rod 56_(B) to theadjusting member 158, the catch surface 178 on each detent pawl 174engages the rim 198 of the connecting ring 144 to secure the end rod56_(B) to the connecting ring 144. This defines the anchor position ofthe adjusting member 158. With the end rod 56_(B) so secured to theconnecting ring 144, the toroidal connecting ring 144 and the conjoinedend rod 56, will be able to rotate freely about the axis 150 of theterminal end fitting 18 through that circumferential range delimited bythe circumferential span of the ports 146. Typically, each port 146 hasa circumferential span of approximately 68° (represented as angle α inFIG. 6), and that rotational range is sufficient for most installations.

In addition, the connecting ring 14 and the conjoined end rod 56_(B)will be able swing about the transverse axis 200 of the connecting ring144 that is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the axis 120 of theend rod 56_(B) in order to accommodate a plus or minus seven degrees(±7° represented as angle α on FIG. 7) of misalignment between the axes120 and 150. This accommodation is effected by having the toroidalconnecting ring 144 received within a race 140 with a transverse radiusof curvature substantially equal to the exterior transverse radius ofthe outer surface 202 on the toroidal connecting ring 144. To obviateany uncertainty, the transverse radius of the exterior surface 202 ofthe toroidal connecting ring 144 is centered at the intersection of axes120 and 150 to define an arc that falls within that plane whichintersects those axes 120 and 150. The revolution of that arc about axis150 generates the curved, outer surface 202.

It should also be observed that even though the drawings depictinsertion of the adjusting member 158 from that end of the housing 122comprising the interacting portion 130, there may be well beinstallations where access to that end of the housing may be restricted,or precluded. If so, and because the connecting ring 144 is fullysymmetrical, one may insert the adjusting member 158 from that end ofthe housing 122 comprising the mounting portion 132. The terminal endfitting 18 operates equally well, and without any diminution of itsfunctional operation, irrespective of whichever end of the housing 122is chosen for insertion of the adjusting member 158.

Removal of the adjusting member 158, or even moving the adjusting memberfrom the anchor position to the storage position may be facilitated byusing a pair of tongs, long nose pliers or the like to engage the freeends 202A and 202B of the detent keys 168A and 168B and thereby pivotthose detent keys into their respective grooves, or ways, 172A and 172Bin order to free the catch surface 178 on each detent pawl 174 fromeither the rim 198 of the connecting ring 144 (to permit movement of theadjusting member 158 axially outwardly away from the anchor position) orallowing the detent pawls 174 to exit the respective transverse recesses156 (to permit movement of the adjusting member 158 axially outwardlyaway from the shipping position).

Optional Variations of the Selectively Positionable Terminal end Fitting

With reference to FIG. 9 it can be seen that one may, if desired,utilize a locating dog 204 that may be molded on the underside of thehead portion 160 of the adjusting member 158. If the outer end of thelocating dog 204 is rounded, as at 206, and if the locating dog 204 isslightly longer than the connecting dogs 186, the locating dog 204 willserve as a self-aligning member. That is, as the locating dog 204engages the end rod 56_(B) in response to depression of the adjustingmember 158 axially inwardly of the connecting ring 144, that engagementwill effect relative movement between the housing 122 of the terminalend fitting 18 (and thus the adjusting member 158) and the end rod56_(B) to align the aligning dog 204 with that groove 60 in closestproximity thereto and thus facilitate entry of the connecting dogs 186into the appropriate grooves 60.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-15, the terminal end fitting 218incorporates several structural variations from the previously describedterminal end fitting 18. The variations incorporated in end fitting 218do not inhibit the quick-release function as well as one which permitsselectively positioning of the terminal end fitting 218 along the axis120 of the end rod 56_(B). As depicted, the end fitting 218 has ahousing 222, one end of which comprises a spherical, interacting portion224 and a mounting portion 226 of virtually any desired exteriorconfiguration that may be molded in situ through aperture 126 in theoperating arm 124 of a remote controlled output device.

The interior of the mounting portion 226 is provided with a cylindricalcentral cavity 228, a portion of which is circumscribed by a concaverace 140 that extends circumferentially about the interior of theinteracting portion 224 rotatably to receive a toroidal connecting ring144 such as been hereinbefore previously described. At this point itshould be noted that inasmuch as the connecting ring 144 and itsassociated structure, such as the adjusting member 158, utilized inconjunction with terminal end fitting 218 are identical to several ofthe structural components utilized in conjunction with terminal endfitting 18, their description will not be repeated. In fact, anystructural member, or component, utilized in conjunction with thealternative terminal end fitting 218 which is the same as a structuralmember, or component, used in conjunction with terminal end fitting 18shall simply be identified by the same numerical designation.

The concave race 140 may terminate with a cylindrical access bore 229which opens through the end of the interacting portion 224. A pair ofdiametrically opposed ports 230A and 230B penetrate the spherical wall232 of the interacting portion 224, and said ports 230 are congruentwith the concave race 140. As such, the end rod 56_(B) is permitted torotate through the circumferential angular range that is defined by thecircumferential extent of the opposed ports 230 as well as to swivel, inunison with the connecting ring 144, within those planes defined by theaxial extent of the ports 230. As with the previously described terminalend fitting 18, circumferential extent of the opposed ports typicallyaccommodates about 68° of relative rotation between the end rod 56_(B)(depicted as angle α on FIG. 11) and the interacting portion 224 of theend fitting 218 about the axis 234 of the spherical interacting portion224. Similarly, the axial extent of the ports 230 typically permits theend rod 56_(B) to accommodate up to about plus or minus seven degrees(±7° designated as angle β on FIG. 14) of misalignment between the axis120 of end rod 56_(B) and the axis 234 of the spherical interactingportion 224. This misalignment constitutes the angular disparity bywhich the axis 120 of the end rod 56_(B) fails perpendicularly tointersect the axis 234 of the spherical interacting portion 224.

The adjusting member 158 interacts with the connecting ring 144 in anidentical manner to which the adjusting member 158 interacts with theconnecting ring 144 received within the concave race 140 of thecylindrical interacting portion 130 in the previously described terminalend fitting 18.

With reference particularly to FIGS. 11 and 12, it can be observed thatwhen the pawls 174 are received within the transverse recesses 156 theadjusting member 158 is in the "shipping position." The end rod 56_(B)may freely slide axially within the bore 148 that extends transverselythrough the toroidal connecting ring 144 when the adjusting member 158is in the shipping position.

It should be noted that when the adjusting member 158 is in the shippingposition the head portion 160 of the adjusting member 158 is preferablydisposed in spaced axial opposition with respect to the end surface 236of the interacting portion 224 of the housing 222 having the sphericalinteracting portion 224.

With the head portion 160 of the adjusting member 158 disposed in spacedrelation to the end surface 236 the web portion 238 of a locking clip240 may be interposed between the head portion 160 and the end surface236, as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, to prevent inadvertent furtherinsertion of the adjusting member 158 within the interacting portion 224of housing 222. The juncture of the ends 242 of the detent keys 168 andthe arms 162 of the adjusting member 158 may each present a transverseshoulder 244, and the transverse shoulders 244 are axially displacedfrom the head portion 160. The transverse shoulders 244 are also alignedwith the end surface 236 when the adjusting member 158 is in theshipping position, and as such the end surface 236 and the transverseshoulders 244 will, therefore, simultaneously engage the web portion 238of the locking clip 240 to preclude inadvertent withdrawal of theadjusting member 158 with respect to the connecting ring 144, as will behereinafter more fully explained.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the locking clip has a pair of opposed channels240A and 240B that extend along the edges of the web portion 238. Thechannels 240A and 240B slidingly engage a pair of outwardly directedrails 248A and 248B, respectively, that are located adjacent to the endsurface 236 on the interacting portion 224 of housing 222. Medially ofthe channels 246 a blocking rib 250 extends downwardly from the webportion 238 to engage the head portion 160 of the adjusting member 158when the adjusting member 158 is in the anchor position depicted inFIGS. 13, 14 and 15. A handle 252 extends perpendicularly across therear lateral extent of the web portion 238. In addition to providing ameans by which to grasp and move the locking clip 240, the handle 252also serves to impart lateral rigidity to the web portion 238 of thelocking clip 240.

The lateral edges of the web portion 238 are preferably connected to thelateral edges of the handle 252 by flitch plates 254A and 254B. Theflitch plates 254 may, of course, be integrally formed with the webportion 238 and the handle 252. In the configuration described, theflitch plates 254 serve not only to stabilize the handle 252 but also toimpart longitudinal rigidity to the web portion 238.

To minimize the range of motion required for the locking clip 240 topermit the adjusting member to move between its two positions--i.e.: theshipping position and the anchoring position--the forward end of the webportion 238 may be relieved by three intersecting curvilinear edges256A, 256B and 258. The opposed edges 256A and 256B are curved topreclude any interference between the locking clip 240 and the adjustingmember 158 when the locking clip 240 has been moved laterally, along itsown longitudinal axis 260, to the position depicted in FIG. 10. Thethird edge 258 of the three curvilinear edges is preferablysemi-circular and may be centered along the longitudinal axis 260 of thelocking clip 240 and is of such size as to permit insertion between thehead portion 160 and the transverse shoulders 244A and 244B defined bythe intersection of the detent keys 168 and the arms 162A and 162B ofthe adjusting member 158, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. So positioned,the locking clip 240 holds the adjusting member 158 in the shippingposition, and the locking clip 240 is in what will be designated a itsshipping position. When the locking clip 240 is in its shippingposition, the adjusting member 158 may not be either further insertedin, or withdrawn from, the toroidal connecting ring 144.

In addition to a shipping position, the locking clip 240 also has anhereinafter described "anchor position" and an "open position." With thelocking clip 240 in its open position depicted in FIG. 10, the adjustingmember 158 is freely movable along its own axis--which is generallycoincident with the axis 150 of the annular housing 122 or axis 234 ofthe spherical housing 222. Full insertion of the adjusting member 158within the connecting ring 144 brings the head portion 160 of theadjusting member 158 into engagement with the end surface 236 of thehousing 222. That is, when the locking clip 240 is in its open position,the head 160 of the adjusting member 158 may be pressed to bring thecamming surface 180 on each the pawl 174 into engagement with the sidewalls 184 of the transverse recesses 156 and thereby swing the detentkeys 168 into their respective ways 172, as previously described, sothat the adjusting member 158 can be moved to its "anchor position." Inits anchor position the adjusting member 158 will operatively engage theend rod 56_(B) to preclude axial movement of the end rod 56_(B)transversely with regard to the terminal end fitting 18 or 218. With theadjusting member 158 so disposed, the adjusting member 158 lockinglyengages the end rod 56_(B), and the anchor clip 240 can be translateduntil the forward end of the blocking rib 250 engages the surface 260 onthe cylindrical access bore 229, which not only further assures that theadjusting member 158 will be maintained in its anchor position but alsoserves to signal that the access bore 229 has been closed to theexternal environment by the web portion 238 of the locking clip 240. Sopositioned, the adjusting member 158 can not be moved along the axis 234but can, of course, be circumferentially rotated, or transverselypivoted, with the toroidal connecting ring 144.

A sealing member 262 may be conveniently employed with the sphericalinteracting portion 224 of the terminal end fitting 218. The sealingmember 262 has an annular belt portion 264 with at least a sphericalinner surface 266 that engages the spherical wall 232 of the interactingportion 224 to permit circumferential, and transversely pivotal,movements of the sealing member 262 with respect to the interactingportion 224. The belt portion 264 is provided with diametrically opposedbores 268A and 268B that are circumscribed by tubular extensions 270Aand 270B, respectively, which closely engage the end rod 56_(B) topreclude the admission of undesirable debris into the interior of thehousing 222 and also to facilitate movement of the sealing member 262with the end rod 56_(B) relative to the spherical wall 232 on theinteracting portion 224 of terminal end fitting 218.

An end plug 272 may also be received within that portion of the centralcavity 228 which opens through the mounting portion 226. Although africtional fit between the plug 272 and the cylindrical interior wall274 of the central cavity 228 may be sufficient to retain the plug 272in most environments, one may, as shown, utilize a retaining flange 276which extends radially inwardly from the cylindrical interior wall 274of the mounting portion 226 to engage an annular recess 278 in the plug272. As shown, the transverse exterior surface 280 of the plug 272 maybe flush with the end surface 282 of the mounting portion 226 to assureclearance between the plug 272 and any exterior structure.

Conclusion

While one preferred embodiment, and several optional variations andaccessories, of our present invention are disclosed, it is to be clearlyunderstood that the invention is susceptible to numerous changesapparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the presentinvention is not to be limited to the details shown and described but isintended to include all changes and modifications which come within thescope of the appended claims.

As should now be apparent, the present invention not only teaches that apush-pull control cable assembly embodying the concepts of the presentinvention is capable of having the operative length of the core betweenthe input device and the output device readily adjusted by employing atleast one new and novel terminal end fitting configuration, but alsothat the other objects of the invention can be likewise accomplished.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting for thecore of a push-pull control cable assembly to permit selective retentionand release of a connecting spur, said terminal end fitting comprising:areceiver movable axially with the core; a blind bore in said receiver;said blind bore oriented transversely of the axial movement of saidreceiver; an axial slot in said receiver that intersects said blindbore; a locking tab received in said slot and being selectively slidablebetween first and second positions; said locking tab penetrated by anaperture disposed transversely of said locking tab and axially alignedwith respect to said blind bore; said aperture having two intersectingcircular edges; said circular edges being defined by first and secondradii; one said radius being of greater dimension than the other saidradius; said aperture permitting the connecting spur to be inserted inand withdrawn from said blind bore through said aperture when saidlocking tab is in said first position; said aperture engaging theconnecting spur to preclude withdrawal of the connecting spur receivedin said blind bore when said locking tab is in said second position;and, means to bias said locking tab continuously toward said secondposition when said locking tab is received within said slot in saidreceiver.
 2. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting for a push-pullcontrol cable assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein:that portion ofsaid aperture defined by said larger radius is aligned with said blindbore when said locking tab is in said first position.
 3. The fixedlypositioned terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly,as set forth in claim 1, wherein:that portion of said aperture definedby said smaller radius is aligned with said blind bore when said lockingtab is in said second position.
 4. The fixedly positioned terminal endfitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 1,wherein:the application of pressure to said locking tab from exteriorlyof said receiver overcomes said means to bias said locking tab andthereby slides said locking tab to said first position.
 5. The fixedlypositioned terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly,as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means to bias said locking tabfurther comprises:wings supported on said locking tab; said wingsengaging said receiver to bias said locking tab to said second position;a detent pawl mounted on said locking tab to engage a blocking surfaceon said receiver when said locking tab is in said second position topreclude withdrawal of said locking tab from said slot.
 6. The fixedlypositioned terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly,as set forth in claim 5, wherein:that portion of said aperture definedby said larger radius is aligned with said blind bore when said lockingtab is in said first position; and, that portion of said aperturedefined by said smaller radius is aligned with said blind bore when saidlocking tab is in said second position.